Cataracts can cause blurriness in your vision as the lens becomes increasingly clouded. An ophthalmologist might recommend cataract surgery when this visual impairment affects your daily activities. Cataract surgery is a common and safe procedure in which an ophthalmologist will remove your clouded natural lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens that is best for your lifestyle. This is an outpatient surgery, and recovery is relatively short.
Through femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, ophthalmologists can perform traditional cataract surgery without the increased risks that a scalpel with jagged lines can cause. Thanks to this computer-controlled device, the surgeon uses bladeless precision leading to fewer complications and better outcomes than manual cataract surgery. It offers patients a gentler and safer experience leading to a lower likelihood of infection and overall faster healing. This procedure generally takes less than an hour.
Once you are done with cataract surgery, you might feel a slight sensitivity to light and minor discomfort. Patients should wear sunglasses during the day and an eye shield at night to prevent any rubbing of the eye, as it’s normal to feel itching or irritation for the first week. It is also recommended that you avoid driving or bending down to pick up heavy objects. Prescription eye drops are used 3-4 weeks after surgery, depending on how well the patient is healing. Most normal activities can be resumed a few days after surgery, but it is recommended to limit the amount of bending a lifting in the days following the procedure.
Watch this informative video on Cataract Surgery
Here at Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute, patients are expected to visit their cataract surgeon the same day or the next day of their surgery, as well as 1-week post-op and 1-month post-op. Any extreme discomfort or concerns can be addressed with the ophthalmologist at these appointments, and further analysis can be conducted. If you wear prescription glasses, you will likely still need to wear them after surgery; however, you should wait until your eyes have fully healed to get a final prescription.
In general, cataract surgery is a safe and successful procedure. Some patients do develop a secondary cataract where the capsule holding the implant becomes clouded. If this occurs, a laser procedure called a Yag Capsulotomy is performed by an ophthalmologist in which a small opening is made to allow the patient to see clearly again. During your post-op appointments, the ophthalmologist will check to determine if this is needed or if there is any infection or abnormal swelling. By 8 weeks, you should be fully healed.
Our board-certified ophthalmologists are highly trained surgeons who have performed thousands of cataract surgeries. When you come to Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute, you are in good hands from the moment you walk into the moment you leave your post-op appointment. Schedule a consultation with one of our cataract specialists, Dr. Skolnick, Dr. Ilan Epstein, or Dr. De Castro, by calling 954-741-5555.
